Learning Scrapblog

Have you ever wanted to try your hand at digital scrapbooking but either didn't have the correct software or didn't even know where to start? A few years back I was determined to try to figure out digital scrapbooking. I started reading tutorials and watching tons of videos. And I did figure out the basics, but it was slow going. Might have something to do with the fact that I'm running an older than dirt version of Elements 2, LOL! I recently had the opportunity through Stampendous to try my hand at SCRAPBLOG. So much easier!!! Scrapblog claims, "Create custom cards, calendars, photo books and more in minutes." And you know what, they're right! Its quick and easy. You can pick backgrounds and stickers from lots of your favorite manufactures like Anna Griffin, Claudine Hellmuth, House of Three, Crate Paper, Hambly, Cosmo Cricket, MSE, Sassafras and of course Stampendous! There are tons of freebies along with digital elements for sale. 

I thought I'd share with you a few tips and techniques today to get you started on Scrapblog. Are you ready? Then lets get digital scrapping!

supplies used: Stampendous Scrapblog Elements (striped background, bats, swirls and title)

1. Click on that red "Start Creating" button on the right hand side.
2. After you sign up it will take you to a popup asking what you'd like to make...book, calendar, cards, slideshow or start from scratch. Something new that I'm loving you have the option to create in landscape (8.5x11 inch) rectangle shape or square (12x12 inch). I am loving the new 12x12 size feature because I was always a traditional 12x12 scrapper. 
3. After picking "start from scratch"  it will put you into the scrapblog builder screen. On the left hand side you'll find buttons that will allow you to choose your photos, backgrounds, stickers, letters, etc.
4.  Lets start with photos....click on Get Photos. You can browse from photos on your computer or upload them from facebook, Flikr, Photobucket and a number of other photo hosting sites. Once you have photos on Scrapblog you'll be able to go back at a later time and use them. 
5. Next you have to choose your backgrounds and stickers. When you click on either the "get stickers" or "get background" button it will bring up the Scrapblog Marketplace. If you look to the top of the screen you'll see the options browse, stores and purchased. Click onto the stores button to check out all the many stores that have stuff available for free and purchase at Scrapblog. (Stampendous is on page 4) If you drag your mouse across the element it will highlight it and tell you how many coins it costs. There is also a handy search bar. Type in what you're looking for and it down so you don't have to scroll through pages and pages of elements looking for the one you want. 
6. When you find a background or sticker you want to use, click on it and it will go into your toolbar on the left hand side. 
7. Now its time to start playing! All you have to do is click and drag on the backgrounds, photos or stickers to bring them onto your template. If you're not happy with your choice, use the "cut" option on the top edit buttons. 
8. When you drag the photos and stickers onto the page it will show up with the 4 corners highlighted. Click on those and drag them in or out to resize. At the top you'll see a line coming out of the sticker with an open circle. If you click on it, it will allow you to spin your elements.
9. To add a title/journaling click on the text/balloon button and drag the one you want onto your page. Begin typing. When you're done you can click on the box resize it and change the font. 
10. When you're happy with your page save abd hit "Publish" in the upper right corner. Want to share it with your friends

supplies used: Stampendous Scrapblog Elements (tip: I placed a solid silhoutte design through out the page, reduced the opacity of the stickers and added a relection to create a background page.)

There is alot more you can do on Scrapblog once you start playing around. Each time I sit down and create on Scrapblog I discover something new. You can edit photos, change the opacity of elements, create background papers. I just wanted to give you a basics today and not overwhelm you but I'll share some more tips and techniques in the coming weeks. 

Scrapblog has a Halloween contest going on right now! Its not to late to enter! Deadline is November 7, 2010. Enter your Halloween layout for a chance to win one of three prizes (hardcover photobook and 2500 credits). Just for entering they'll give you 50 credits in your account. So what are you waiting for? Hop on over, give Scrapblog a try and pick up 50 credits just for entering the contest!